Parallel Redundancy Protocol Using Non-Overlapping Resource Units
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems for industrial automation face challenges in achieving low latency and seamless failover in case of network component failures, which is critical for applications like industrial internet, smart grids, and autonomous driving.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of Parallel Redundancy Protocol (PRP) using non-overlapping Resource Unit (RU) groupings, where a computing device associates with two Access Points (APs) at a virtual Media Access Control (MAC) address and replicates data frames across two independent paths using non-overlapping RUs assigned to each AP.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional wireless communication systems are used for industrial automation, then network coverage and basic connectivity are provided, but latency is high and failover capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless channel is segmented into multiple non-overlapping Resource Units (RUs) that are distributed across different frequencies. By assigning different RUs to different APs, the system creates independent transmission paths that do not interfere with each other, enabling simultaneous redundant transmissions without increasing latency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a frequency-domain dimension for redundancy by utilizing non-overlapping RUs at different frequency locations. Instead of using time-division multiplexing which would increase latency, the system uses frequency diversity to transmit redundant data frames simultaneously on independent paths
2Reliability
If redundant network paths are implemented for failover, then reliability is improved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a universal RU assignment mechanism where APs can be dynamically assigned to different RUs based on network conditions. The same RU structure serves both primary communication and redundancy functions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated redundant channels and simplifying network configuration
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating entirely separate redundant network infrastructure, the patent copies the existing RU structure and assigns identical RU patterns to multiple APs. This allows redundant paths to be established using the same hardware and protocols, reducing operational complexity while maintaining failover capability
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
Parallel Redundancy Protocol (PRP) using non-overlapping Resource Unit (RU) groupings may be provided. A first computing device (105) may associate to a first Access Point (AP) (110) at a virtual Media Access Control (MAC) address. Next, the first computing device (105) may associate to a second AP (115) at the virtual MAC address. Then data from a data frame may be replicated to a first one or more RUs in a channel. The first one or more RUs may be assigned to the first AP (110). Data from the data frame may then be replicated to a second one or more RUs in the channel. The second one or more RUs may be assigned to the second AP (115) and may not overlap the first one or more RUs.